What to Do If You Break Down on a Smart Motorway

18 Oct

Breaking down on a smart motorway can be an overwhelming experience, especially when there is no hard shoulder. Knowing how to handle the situation properly is crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Whether you're driving on the M4, near Reading, or in Berkshire, here’s how to manage a breakdown on a smart motorway and how Raf’s Breakdown Recovery can assist you.

1. Move to a Safe Location or Emergency Area

If your vehicle starts to develop a problem on a motorway with no hard shoulder, the first thing to do is:

Move into the left-hand lane and turn on your hazard lights.
If possible, exit at the next junction or service area.
If you cannot leave the motorway, follow the orange SOS signs to the nearest emergency refuge area (ERA) and call for help using the free telephone. This phone directly connects to National Highways and lets them know your exact location.

2. If You Can’t Get to an Emergency Area

If you are unable to reach an emergency refuge area or safely exit the motorway:

Move your vehicle as close to the left-hand verge, boundary, or slip road as possible.
If it’s safe, exit your vehicle via the left-hand door, ensuring passengers do the same, and stand behind a safety barrier if there is one.

In this situation, it's important to call 999 immediately to inform the police. The National Highways control centre and police will work to close the affected lane and manage the traffic around you.

Once the authorities are informed and a lane closure is in place, Raf’s Breakdown Recovery can come to your aid. Please call us once the police or highways agency have been informed, and we’ll be ready to assist you. If the police or highways move your vehicle to a safe location, make sure to update us with your new position so we can meet you there.

3. If You’re Stuck in a Live Lane and It’s Not Safe to Exit

If your vehicle stops in a live lane and you cannot move it:

Stay inside your vehicle.
Keep your seatbelts fastened and turn on your hazard lights.
Call 999 immediately to inform the police of your location.

The National Highways control centre will activate a lane closure and send help. Once they have secured the area, Raf’s Breakdown Recovery can come to assist. Be sure to contact us after notifying the authorities, so we can be on standby to help as soon as it is safe to do so.

4. Use Marker Post Numbers to Help Identify Your Location

When breaking down on a motorway, it’s important to provide accurate information about your location to the police, National Highways, and Raf’s Breakdown Recovery. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using the marker post numbers positioned every 100 metres along the motorway.

These small signs contain vital information, including the motorway you’re on, the direction of travel, and your exact location. Providing the marker post number when calling 999, the police, or your breakdown service helps them locate you faster.

If you are able to safely reach an emergency refuge area or stop near a marker post, be sure to provide this information when contacting us. It allows Raf’s Breakdown Recovery to find you more quickly once the lane is closed and it is safe to assist.

5. What to Do If There’s a Hard Shoulder

If your breakdown occurs on a motorway with a hard shoulder, you can stop there in an emergency. After pulling over:

Exit your vehicle via the left-hand door and wait behind a safety barrier if available.
Use the SOS phone provided or call National Highways at 0300 123 5000 to inform them
Call your breakdown recovery provider

6. Making Your Own Recovery Arrangements

It's essential to have the contact information for a reliable breakdown recovery provider. In the event of a breakdown, Raf’s Breakdown Recovery is ready to help across Reading, Berkshire, and along the M4. If you have contacted the authorities for a lane closure, we can come to your assistance once it is safe. If you are moved to a different location by the police or National Highways, please update us with your new location.

7. Preventing Breakdowns

Before you set off on any journey, carrying out basic vehicle checks can help you avoid breakdowns. Ensure you check:

Tyres (pressure and tread)
Fuel levels
Oil and water levels

These simple checks can prevent many breakdowns, but if your vehicle encounters an issue, follow the guidelines above and call for help.

Conclusion

Breaking down on a smart motorway can be daunting, but by following these steps and contacting the authorities, you can stay safe. Remember to provide marker post numbers to help emergency services and Raf’s Breakdown Recovery find you quickly. If you're stuck in a live lane and can't get to a safe area, always call 999 immediately. Once the authorities are informed and the lane is closed, Raf’s Breakdown Recovery is ready to assist you. Keep our contact details handy and notify us of your location when it is safe.